Acharya Prashant explains that organized religion often becomes a barrier because people derive their fundamental identity from it. When religion provides a fictitious answer to the question of 'Who am I?', it becomes so central to a person's being that any questioning of their religion feels like a threat to their very existence. This deep-seated identification is why people become highly offended or violent regarding religious matters; they are fighting to save their perceived identity. He points out that organized religions are often built on exclusive stories and beliefs. If one person's story is true, another's must be false, which inevitably leads to conflict and a lack of co-existence. In contrast, Acharya Prashant defines true religion as a path devoid of stories, miracles, or superstitions. True religion is based on honest self-observation and the spirit of inquiry. It involves asking essential questions about life, death, love, and one's own psychological states, such as jealousy or fear, without wearing masks or suppressing the truth. He emphasizes that true religion is about being honest with oneself and observing life continuously. Regarding career goals like IIT or UPSC, he suggests that while these are means to fulfillment, if one finds a more direct path to ultimate fulfillment, they should pursue it. He encourages the cultivation of 'Pragya' or higher intelligence, which goes beyond mere intellect.
